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MVBEO Watershed moment for the industry The newMotor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO), which came into force earlier this month, is a ‘watershed moment’ for the independent aftermarket, according to LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO Andy Hamilton, who said: “The newMVBEO regulations have delivered on many of the industry’s key requests. It is more comprehensive – now covering software, training and improved access to data and information alongside parts – and it is now shorter in duration, coming up for review again before the end of the decade. This should allow the framework to be updated to keep pace with the rapidly evolving vehicle market.”

is still casting a shadow over the industry’s future.” Andy added: “Because of all these issues, we and our partners in the industry are not resting on our laurels, but as our efforts on MVBEO show, when the industry unites around a common purpose, we can work with the legislator to challenge the dominance of the global OEMs and achieve outcomes that support a thriving independent aftermarket and its loyal following among British consumers.” The MVBEO, introduced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), replaces the EU-derived Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MVBER).

have worked closely with the CMA as it developed these new regulations. The evidence submitted was overwhelming to the point where we had to be listened to.” “As vehicles continue their gradual evolution to becoming tech hardware, there remain gaps in the legislative landscape that OEMs extension, limit consumer choice. This includes cybersecurity where the UK currently has no plans to introduce a standardised certification system, such as the SERMI scheme that is due to come into force in Northern Ireland and the EU this summer. Meanwhile, the threat of damaging MOT reforms will no doubt exploit to restrict access to independents and, by

LKQ UK & Ireland, which includes LKQ Euro Car Parts & LKQ Bodyshop, was one of a companies and organisations including the IGA, IAAF and UK AFCAR who lobbied for the MVBEO to build on and expand the framework provided by the outgoing MVBER framework. Andy continued: “This is a real success for the independent aftermarket, where its ability to service modern vehicles was slowly being squeezed by OEMs capitalising on the shortcomings and loopholes of the ageing MVBER framework and advances in vehicle technology that support new business models.” “I’d like to thank the many workshops and bodyshops that engaged with us, as well as the IAAF and UK AFCAR who

Published by CAT Mag 12th June 2023

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) ULEZ, also known as LEZ or sometimes CAZ (Low Emission Zone, Clean Air Zone) is an inner-city area where drivers of more polluting vehicles must pay to drive through. The aim – to encourage drivers to use newer, less polluting vehicles, or make the switch to public transport. The most well-known zone in London is set to expand as of August 2023 with over 700,000 car drivers being affected by the expansion, and TfL estimates that around 160,000 non- compliant cars a day currently drive in the area that will become part of the expanded zone. With the increase in cities introducing these zones and the expansion of London’s zone, what does this mean for your workshops? Coming soon: Look out for our ULEZ special edition, where we’ll be sharing more details on what it means for you, advice and solutions.

Page 6 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3